STOCKTON - Dominic Scelzi considers the Stockton 99 Dirt Track one of the most difficult and challenging courses in California.

That is why he is looking forward to coming back to town.

Open-wheel drivers will try their luck on the speedy 3/8-mile track at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds when they compete in Saturday's King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series event. The gates open at 5 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m.

Scelzi, the son of NHRA legend Gary Scelzi, has had success in Stockton, winning this race last year. But it won't be easy to repeat.

"It's unlike any other track in California," Scelzi said. "It has long straightaways and tight corners, and you carry a lot of speed."

The Fresno resident said the dirt track drives much larger than it actually is. High-end open wheel cars can hit 130 mph on the straightaway at Stockton 99 Dirt Track.

"It's every bit as fast as the big half-mile at Calistoga" Scelzi said. "So you are getting half-mile speeds at a place just over half the size. That makes it a very difficult and challenging track, which is good."

Kyle Hirst of Chico is the defending 410 Sprint champion and the points leader. He's looking for his first win at Stockton but also will be looking to protect his points lead. He is 68 points ahead of Campbell's Bud Kaeding.

"I love going to Stockton, and we'd like to win there," Hirst said. "And there's five races left (in the season) so, hopefully, we can run up front and get what we're shooting for."

The fourth round of the Spring Shoot Out Series, a Tourist Trophy (TT) event, will be held Saturday. There also will be a short-track event Aug. 9, a makeup date for the April 26th program that was rained out.

The gates open at 2 p.m., practice is at 3:30 p.m. and racing begins at 5:30 p.m.

Information: (209) 368-7182; lodicyclebowl.com.

The annual Fox Hunt Night of Fire takes place today and Saturday at the drag strip, located 5305 Excelsior Road in Sacramento.

Racing begins 4 p.m. today and 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Among the cars expected to compete are 7.0 Pro Dragsters, CIFCA Funny Cars, Pro Gas, various Door Slammers and Drag Bikes. There also will be Outlaw dirt racing at the oval track.